Disability Services

Services for Students with Disabilities, a Physical or Mental Health Condition and/or a Specific Learning Difficulty

Fund for Students with Disabilities

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) Fund for Students with Disabilities aims to assist students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties to participate in Further Education. It provides grants towards the provision of services and the purchase of equipment for students with disabilities attending courses in the Institute.

It is funded by the Irish Government and part funded by the European Social Fund under the Human Capital Investment Operational Programme.

Assistance at Advisory Meeting

Applicants who require special assistance (eg, a sign language interpreter, personal assistant etc.) when attending a personal advisory meeting in the Institute, are requested to provide their own assistance if possible. If this is not possible, then applicants should contact the Institute's Disability Advisors (guidance@bfei.ie or phone 01 288 9717), at least two weeks prior to the advisory meeting, to allow the Institute to make appropriate arrangements for this assistance. It may take some time to make special arrangements. It is important to note that if the applicant is unable to attend the advisory meeting at the time scheduled, that adequate cancellation notice (one week's notice) is given to avoid the Institute incurring unnecessary costs.

Assistance while Studying

Applicants who are offered a place on a course in the Institute may need supports in order to assist them with their studies. The kind of supports needed may vary from person to person but can include the following:

use of a laptop and/or other special assistive technology

additional learning support either 1:1 or in small groups

a personal assistant to help in class or around the Institute

transport e.g. a taxi

use of a notetaker

use of a sign language interpreter

a reader for exams

a scribe for exams

Useful Contacts

To contact the Disability Advisors: email guidance@bfei.ie, or phone the Institute on 01 288 9717

The Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD)

AHEAD has some good publications such as 'Assessing Third Level Education In Ireland', a handbook for students with disabilities and learning difficulties. Another useful publication is 'A Guide to Funding for People with Disabilities in Mainstream Vocational Training'.